Denver Bus Accident Lawyer

Common Causes and Liability in Bus Accidents

Like any vehicle accident, bus crashes can be caused by a wide array of factors. However, because bus drivers are typically employees, liability may look different in these cases. Our attorneys can work with you to determine who is to blame and how that will affect your claim.

A Private Company

Charter and tour bus companies are responsible for the actions of their employees, meaning a driver who works for one of these businesses probably will not be directly liable for any harm they cause. You would instead need to file a claim against the company’s insurance.

Unfortunately for accident victims, if the company that owns the bus and employs the at-fault driver is a large business with significant resources, it may fight back against your claim. It may even have an in-house team of lawyers whose job is to reduce the company’s liability. In this situation, you need a strong legal firm on your side to level the playing field—and protect your right to compensation.

The Government

School buses and transit buses are not privately owned; rather, they are owned and run by our government. Like a private company, the government is liable for the actions of its employees, which means you may find yourself needing to bring a suit against your city or state.

It is possible to file a lawsuit against the government, but you must follow special rules and meet much shorter deadlines. For most people, who may not have even had to file an insurance claim in their past, the additional requirements in these cases make the process even more confusing.

We have experience helping clients with these types of claims and can make the process run smoothly for you. Make sure you reach out to a Denver bus accident attorney as soon as possible if you were in an accident caused by a city-owned vehicle like a bus. We can help you get your case started promptly, so you do not lose the right to file.

A Third-Party Driver

Sometimes, bus accidents that involve multiple vehicles can be caused by the carelessness of one driver. This means everyone injured in the accident has the right to file a claim with the at-fault person’s insurance—and their policy will likely hit its limit before all the damages are paid.

If you’re in this situation, make sure you have a good attorney on your side to advocate for you. We do not want you to have to bear the expenses of an accident on your own simply because you do not have someone fighting for you to receive the compensation you need.

A Bus or Parts Manufacturer

Buses can travel tens or even hundreds of miles each day, and the wear and tear on these vehicles builds over time. If a bus manufacturer sold a faulty vehicle, or one of the parts in the bus is shoddily made or constructed from unfit materials, the bus may break down while it is in motion.

Filing a defective bus claim takes a strong investigative team and a network of professionals, including engineers and accident reconstructionists, to prove how a faulty part caused the collision.

However, fighting these claims is well worth it—not just because you can recover significant compensation from a big manufacturer if they are found to be at fault, but also because these cases can draw attention to hazardous parts or vehicles that may be on the road in other places.

A Mechanic

Sometimes, a mechanical failure happens because a safety inspector missed an imminent failure or a mechanic made a mistake while fixing the bus. The company that owns a bus may do this work in-house, in which case they would be liable; however, if they contract it to another company, that business would be to blame.

In cases like these, the at-fault company will likely do all it can to push blame back onto the company that owns the bus. We can ensure your needs are addressed after such an accident, regardless of any power struggles. Our team has the resources and stature to address these companies as equals as we advocate for you.

Common Injuries in Bus Accident Cases

Bus collisions can cause a wide range of injuries, from relatively minor bruises to life-changing trauma that affects every part of your daily routine. Because buses often lack seat belts and allow passengers to stand or move while the vehicle is in motion, even a low-speed crash in Denver traffic can throw people into seats, poles, or windows. The forces involved are different from those in a typical car wreck, which means symptoms may show up in unexpected ways over the days and weeks that follow.

Common physical injuries include whiplash, concussions, torn ligaments, complex fractures, and spinal cord trauma. Some riders experience facial injuries from striking interior surfaces or broken glass, while others may suffer internal injuries that are not obvious at the scene. Psychological effects such as anxiety, sleep problems, or post-traumatic stress can also develop after a violent crash on a crowded route or a highway like I-25. Prompt medical evaluation at a local hospital or clinic allows these issues to be documented and treated before they worsen.

We frequently work with treating physicians, physical therapists, and rehabilitation professionals to understand how long an injury is likely to last and what kind of care it will require. For serious conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries or paralysis, we may consult life-care planners who can estimate future medical costs, equipment needs, and home modifications. This information becomes a key part of calculating fair compensation, especially when the injury affects your ability to work or participate in the Colorado activities you enjoyed before the crash, such as hiking, skiing, or caring for your family.

What to Do After a Bus Accident

Knowing what steps to take immediately following a bus accident can protect your rights and strengthen any claims you may wish to file later. First, it is important to seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor, as documentation from healthcare providers can be pivotal. Documenting the scene with photographs and gathering witness information can also provide critical support to your legal case.

Reporting the accident to the police ensures an official record is created, which can be invaluable during negotiations or in court. Contacting a proficient Denver bus accident lawyer at Denver Trial Lawyers® early in the process can prevent missteps and ensure your case is handled with the attention it deserves. Our attorneys offer guidance on each step, from initial medical consultations to the filing of formal claims, with the intent of minimizing stress and maximizing settlement outcomes for our clients.

Using Demonstrative Evidence to Support Your Case

Our Denver bus accident attorneys use cutting-edge legal strategies to effectively present your case and increase your chances of receiving the resolution you want. Denver Trial Lawyers® is one of a few firms in the area that has a strong base of experience using demonstrative evidence.

Demonstrative evidence may include a variety of visual aids to better portray the cause and results of your harmful accident. By building an accurate representation of your crash, we can better demonstrate the injuries you sustained, the cause of the accident, and potentially prove fault.

Being able to see what happened helps juries better understand the technical terms being thrown around. Our use of these exhibits also makes it harder for the defense to obscure the situation with fancy words and jargon. Ask us for examples of how we have used demonstrative evidence to help clients in the past—and how we can use it to strengthen your case.

Navigating Insurance & Claims with Denver’s Transit Agencies

After a bus accident involving a public bus, such as those operated by Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD), the claims process requires careful attention. RTD follows its own strict rules and deadlines, which differ from typical auto claims. Injured parties must submit notice within Colorado’s time limits to maintain a valid claim.

Filing a claim against a government agency involves more documentation and attention to local procedures than claims involving private parties. RTD’s insurance adjusters review bus route data, incident reports from Denver authorities, and emergency medical records as part of their investigation. We work with clients to gather evidence and ensure claims comply with RTD requirements. 
Knowing how RTD and similar agencies operate in Denver allows us to anticipate steps and avoid delays that can jeopardize compensation. Our team helps clients understand government communications and legal deadlines, providing support throughout the process to keep claims on track.

Why Choose Denver Trial Lawyers?

Many Denver residents use buses daily. Whether they send their children to school by bus or use the bus for their commute, buses help us get from point A to point B with relatively minimal hassle. However, when a casual bus ride leads to a serious crash, it is crucial that you understand your rights.

Bus accidents can be very harmful and might lead to head injuries, spinal damage, broken bones, severe bruising, sprains, psychological trauma, or even death. Such injuries can upend your life and leave you wondering how you are going to support yourself while you recover.

Our team can help you fight for compensation that includes past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of wages, and other damages. Tell us about your accident to learn what you can expect if you choose to work with our firm.

Contact Our Bus Accident Attorney in Denver Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our Denver bus accident attorneys are ready to defend your rights, lead you through the legal process, and fight for the settlement you rightfully deserve. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and learn how our skilled team can help you move forward with confidence.